Research article summary (published 30 Mar 2008):

Ethnobotany & ethnopharmacology of Tabernaemontana divaricata.

Full Abstract

Tabernaemontana divaricata a common garden plant in tropical countries has been used as a traditional medicine. However, no recent review articles of T. divaricata, particularly discussing its pharmacological properties, are available. This review presents the ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology of T. divaricata as well as its potential therapeutic benefits especially of the alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal constituents. Included, are the characteristics of 66 alkaloids isolated and identified from T. divaricata. Non-alkaloids including the enzymes, pyrolytic oil, hydrocarbons, terpenoid and phenolic acids are also documented. Chemotaxonomic aspects of each alkaloid as well as information regarding the pharmacology of crude extracts and individual alkaloids from T. divaricata have been assembled and appraised. The beneficial properties of T. divaricata are antioxidant, anti-infection, anti-tumour action, analgesia and the enhancement of cholinergic activity in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The augmentation of cholinergic function may be of therapeutic benefit for many neurodegenerative diseases, particularly myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's disease.

Author information

Author/s: Pratchayasakul, Wasana (W); Pongchaidecha, Anchalee (A); Chattipakorn, Nipon (N); Chattipakorn, Siriporn (S);

Affiliation: Cardiac Electrophysiology Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: The Indian journal of medical research (Indian J Med Res), published in India. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Apr; vol 127 (issue 4) : pp 317-35

Dates: Created 2008/06/25; Completed 2008/09/15;

PMID: 18577786, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Ethnobotany Ethnopharmacology Humans

Phytotherapy Plant Extracts - chemistry Tabernaemontana - chemistry

Associated Chemicals: Plant Extracts (0)

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